Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday for a two-day official visit from April 22 to 23. The visit comes at the invitation of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.
Since taking office in 2014, PM Modi has significantly strengthened India’s ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations. This marks his third visit to Saudi Arabia, after previous visits in 2016 and 2019. In contrast, all previous Indian Prime Ministers collectively visited the Kingdom only three times over seven decades. This trip is also PM Modi’s 15th visit to a Gulf country.
“Today, I embark on a two-day State visit to the Kingdom of Saudi at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” PM Modi said in a pre-departure statement.
“India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years. Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership including in the domains of defence, trade, investment, energy and people to people ties. We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability,” he added.
Calling Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman his “brother,” PM Modi expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming high-level talks.
“This will be my third visit to Saudi Arabia over the past decade and a first one to the historic city of Jeddah. I look forward to participating in the second Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council and build upon the highly successful State visit of my brother His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India in 2023,” the Prime Minister said.
“I am also eager to connect with the vibrant Indian community in Saudi Arabia that continues to serve as the living bridge between our nations and making immense contribution to strengthening the cultural and human ties,” he said.
During the visit, PM Modi is also expected to visit a factory employing Indian workers, where he will interact with them.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during a press briefing on Saturday, highlighted that the visit offers a crucial platform to discuss regional and global matters. Key issues include the West Asia situation, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and maritime security challenges due to Houthi attacks.